Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
SOC: 19-2099.01
Common Job Titles
Geospatial Intelligence AnalystImage ScientistRemote Sensing AnalystRemote Sensing Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign novel sensor systems and analytical algorithms using Python, MATLAB, and cloud computing platforms to advance remote sensing capabilities.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize geospatial information from multiple remote sensing platforms integrating LIDAR, SAR, and thermal imaging data to generate comprehensive environmental assessments.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate project objectives and data collection strategies for UAV-based remote sensing missions under regulatory and resource constraints.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data using geographic information systems and image processing software to solve natural resource management problems.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate spatial data quality and compliance with technical standards across airborne and spaceborne imaging systems for urban planning and homeland security applications.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret complex spatial patterns and environmental changes for interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders in technical reports and presentations.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate best practices in geospatial data management and open-source remote sensing methodologies when training team members and consulting with client organizations.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply mathematical and statistical models to quantify spatial phenomena using R, SQL, and cloud-based big data platforms like Apache Hadoop and AWS.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate unmanned aerial vehicles and ground control equipment following safety protocols and flight planning procedures using DroneDeploy and Mission Planner.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate spectral imaging sensors and GPS devices using ground control targets and calibration software to ensure measurement accuracy.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
22,580
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $61,990 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $191,880 |
| Workers on average earn | $123,070 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Geography4.8/5
- Mathematics4.2/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- Engineering and Technology3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe Creative Cloud softwareAmazon DynamoDBAmazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2Amazon RedshiftAmazon Simple Storage Service S3Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormationAmazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareApache HadoopApache HiveApache KafkaAtlassian JIRABashCC#C++DockerESRI ArcGIS softwareElasticsearchEpic SystemsExtensible markup language XMLGitGitHubGoJavaScriptJavaScript Object Notation JSONLinuxMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordMySQLNoSQLNode.jsOracle DatabaseOracle JavaPerlPostgreSQLPuppetPythonRRubySalesforce softwareScalaSeleniumStructured query language SQLSwiftTableauThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX
Technology Skills
Aeronautical chartsAgisoft MetashapeAirdataApache HTTP ServerArduPilot Mission PlannerBAE Systems SOCET GXPCalibration softwareCloudCompare
Tools & Equipment
Airborne imaging systemsAirfield lighting equipmentAnemometersDJI GS ProDesktop computersDoppler Rayleigh laser imaging ranging and detecting LIDAR systemsDroneDeployDroneLogbook